Bishop Brendan Kelly has dubbed the vandalism of a Galway mosque over the weekend as a “wilful and malicious assault”.
The Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora said himself and many of the people of Galway are “dismayed and shocked” at the attack on the Maryam Mosque in Galway city.
He said: “An attack on a place of worship is an assault on God and an assault on all people of faith. We stand in solidarity with our Muslim neighbours. With them, we reject violence, we reject division and we reject hate.”
As well as trashing the Imam’s office, the intruders broke locks and windows and security camera equipment was stolen.
“I ask all people of good-will to keep Galway Muslims in their hearts and prayers and to continue showing our fine and welcoming city in its best possible light,” Bishop Kelly added.